AI is reshaping work faster than any single field can track alone. Nexus Perspectives is an academic conference that brings scholars, educators, administrators, practitioners, and policymakers together to make sense of this shift — viewed through three connected lenses:
Hosted by Utah Valley University's Workforce Alignment, the Herbert Policy Institute, and the Kahlert Applied AI Institute, Nexus Perspectives is designed as a space where higher education, industry, and legislative partners can build working relationships that extend well beyond the conference itself. Rather than a fixed agenda, thematic tracks emerge organically from the proposals received — ensuring the conversation reflects what the field is genuinely grappling with in real time.
Utah Valley University is seeking proposals for its academic conference on AI in the workforce. We're looking for papers and sessions that examine the evolving impact of AI on the workforce from scholarly, industry, and policy perspectives.
Presentation topics may include, but are not limited to:
We strongly encourage the participation of undergraduate student researchers to present their work during a midday poster session on the first day of the conference. Student submissions are encouraged to examine AI and the workforce through lived-experience perspectives, including student and peer perspectives on how AI is influencing education, work, career preparation, and emerging professional practices. All proposals will be reviewed by the conference committee, and submitters will be notified of acceptance status by December 11, 2026. Selected presenters will receive an email with follow-up instructions and next steps.
Who can submit a proposal?
Everyone is invited — faculty, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, industry practitioners, and policy professionals are all encouraged to apply.
What session formats are accepted?
All formats are accepted, provided they fit within the 45-minute breakout session — including traditional research papers, panel discussions, presentations, case studies, and poster presentations (students only).
What topics are you looking for?
We welcome proposals examining the evolving impact of AI on the workforce from scholarly, industry, or policy perspectives. There are no prescribed tracks — thematic sessions will be grouped after submissions close, based on the proposals received.
When is the deadline?
Proposals are due November 20, 2026.
When will I hear back?
Acceptance notifications will go out in mid-December 2026.
How do I submit?
Use the submission link on this page or scan the QR code on the flyer attached.
Can students submit?
Yes — student proposals for our student poster session are explicitly welcome.
For general inquiries, reach out to Abbie Fisher or Stefanie Adams.
